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RENEE GERKEN Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for RENEE GERKEN
Sponsored by George Polera.
Linda Hill
April 6, 2014
May God continue to bless you and your family in your time of sorrow. I went to High School with Renee and she was a very close friend of mine. May she rest in peace in the arms of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Jake Ehrhart
January 4, 2010
Dear Jeanette, Larry and love ones. Signe and I just heard of the traggic loss of your sister Renee and her husband. Please extend our prayers and condolences to you and your family. If there is anything we can do please reach out to us, we are there for you now and forever. Jake/Signe Ehrhart
Maria Epling
January 4, 2010
Renee was the fun mom when you girls were little. If there was a puddle, it meant jumping was involved. While most of us moms were fussing about your clothes getting dirty or wet, Renee was headed straight for them and giggling right along side you. Dirt mounds turned into something out of Indiana Jones and picking berries turned into a jungle safari, with a golf cart as a Jeep. Pudding finger painting was her indulgence into junk food. She could find something healthy to eat at McDonalds while the rest of wondered what life would be like without chicken nuggets. Mounds of wallpaper books matched the mounds of children's books, she found beauty in both, even after you had outgrown them. And the animals....Oh my! The greatest was Lord Otis. How many moms would bottle feed a cow in the middle of winter that you girls snuck into the neighborhood? A cow in Spruce Creek, not to mention the chickens, bunnies, wild baby birds, carnival fish, baby raccoons, baby squirrels and any other defenseless creature that crossed her path and needed mending. They became part of your family, that you graciously shared with ours. Her endless love for you could be felt in the brightness of her face at the mention of your name. Her family brought her the greatest joy and now that love shines through you Courtney. Her magical view of grapes that got lost beneath car seats and turned to raisins reminded us of how important it was to not sweat the small stuff. We love you Renee, and thank you for who we became because you touched our lives so deeply. So beautiful and humble and in our hearts forever.
Eleanor Trotter
January 4, 2010
Dear Courtney and family; We are all shocked at the Trotter house over the tragic loss of your wonderful father Brett and you beautiful and kind mother Renee. They were both always so thoughtful and happy. I remember when our daughter Katherine became your first baby sitter and they were both so worried about you and if she would be responsible to care for you while they went out. This is when I got to know them best. We lived just around the corner on Seclusion from you all. My heart breaks over this horrible loss and only hope that God has a plan for all involved. Please know you are always in our hearts and prayers.
Juanita Nicholson
January 4, 2010
Brett and Renee were indeed two of the kindest people I have had the privledge to work with. Renee was such a gentle soul and will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to their families and friends. I lost a young friend in a tragic accident a few years ago and it is very hard to deal with such a sudden loss. Lean on each other and share your memories. It helps.
January 4, 2010
Brett and Renee Gerken were dear to my heart. I moved into the Spruce Creek Fly-Inn when Courtney was just born. We are seven years apart but I felt like her older sister. Safe to say, I was a proud cousin.
While growing up with all of them, Brett and Renee took us on many vacations and adventures. Brett was more the vacationer and Renee was more the adventurer. She was a definite nature person as I am too, but I would not pick up a live snake out of the lake with my bare hands like she did. It was a baby but I still wouldn’t have done it. Brett and Renee took Courtney and me to all different places. They took us to the Tennessee Aquarium, Rainbow Cottage in North Carolina, Pigeon Forge, Dolly Wood, Branson Missouri, Opryland, stayed in The Opryland Hotel, Silver Dollar City, but my most favorite was the cabin on Dale Hallow Lake in Tennessee. Brett would drive the boat pulling both me and Courtney behind them. We all loved being out on the water. Brett taught me how to fish and ski for the first time. We would find a neat looking island, and on the shore, Renee would take us on adventures and find unique shells and geodes to crack open when we got back to the cabin.
Without Brett and Renee, I would have never had the privilege as a child to experience such things and for that I am eternally grateful. They were excellent parents and loved Courtney more than anyone could ever know. Brett and Renee were two very special people and will be forever missed.
With great love, Jamie Gerken (Courtney’s cousin)
Sharon Wintz
January 3, 2010
Dear Courtney and the Awad and Gerken families. I feel very blessed to have known and worked with both of your parents. They were very creative, loving and kind people and everyone they worked with really loved them. Oh Courtney, how they loved you. You were certainly the "Apple of your Father's eye". They will be with you always in Spirit as you grow into the gifted young woman we all know you will become. God bless you and read Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 for strength. With love,
Myra Cunningham
January 2, 2010
For Courtney and her grandmother Kate Utter:
We are saddened by this tragedy. I fondly remember Renee as a lovely young girl some thirty-five years ago. Please know you all are in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Jim Gorman's sister-in-law and Drew Strouse's Aunt Myra
Rocco LaBattaglia
January 1, 2010
family and reletives to Renee and Brett i am so sorry for all of us to haved lost such fine people i am at a lose of words and will allways remember them. be strong, look to Jehovah's kingdom for the future of mankind
Charlie Winkler
December 31, 2009
Dear Courtney and the Gerken and Awad families,words cannot express how sorry Iam for your great loss.your Mom & Dad were wonderful people.I hope with the help of your families that you will get through this tragic time.my prayers are with you and the family.
Aunt Kim
December 31, 2009
Brett and Renee were two wonderful people and devoted parents who loved their daughter, Courtney, more than anything in this world. We are so deeply saddened and they will be greatly missed.
For certain moments and times like this it seems there are no words… but what I do know is that our hearts and tears are with Courtney their precious daughter; Kip Gerken, Brett’s brother; Gretchen Shutt, Brett’s mother; my daughter Jamie Gerken; Renee’s mother and family; as well as all those who loved Brett and Renee.
Courtney, if I have learned anything through past tragedy or heartbreak to share with you now it is that… at times the future will seem overwhelming but try to remember it comes one moment at a time. You may never get over this, you cannot get around it, and so you just try to get through it. This may not always become easier or better, it just becomes different. But you will never be alone for God is always with you and so are the family and friends He blessed you with. If you need or want anything – ever… PLEASE, PLEASE let me know.
“Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.” (Author Unknown)
Our love and concern are with you always and you will be forever in our thoughts, our hearts and our prayers.
With all our love and sympathy,
Kim and David Reid
~ Aunt Kim
Cheryl (Henning) Burtner
December 31, 2009
Deeply saddened by this news. The Awad and Gerken families are in my prayers.
Barbara Jones
December 31, 2009
Dear Jeanette, Gerkin and Awad, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, words cannot express how I feel. It is my prayer that God will give you comfort in your time of sorrow. My prayers are with you and the family.
Chip and Sherry D'Andrea
December 31, 2009
Dear Courtney and the Gerken and Awad families,
We cannot imagine the grief you are feeling right now in dealing with the unbelievable circumstances of Renee and Brett's passing. We wish we could take some of the pain away but know that isn't possible. We can only offer our continuing prayers for Renee, Brett and for each of you, and a special prayer of strength for Courtney to help carry her through this incredibly difficult moment in her life.
With a heavy heart, love,
Chip and Sherry D'Andrea
December 31, 2009
dear Freinds Jennette & Larry & Family
Connie & I are in total shock and it saddens our hearts to hear of such news.Just know that you both and your entire family are in our PRAYERS may God give you all sterngth that comes from only him from above. May God durning this time give you all strength and comfort to you and knoww that we can all rest in his arms of peace. If there is anything we can do please please let us know and we will be there for you and you family. God keep you sare in his arms of care as it is in Christ Jesus I pray for you always
Your friends Bob Vincent & Connie Bush
December 31, 2009
Juicy-fruit gum, precious perfume, Sock Hops, Sadie Hawkins, Prom, skipping out to Orlando and after school yearbook, just some of the memories I have from when we were kids at Spruce Creek High School. Those were the days. We had a lot of fun, and I am glad we stayed in touch all these long 30 some odd years. Went through the yearbooks a few days ago, and holy cow. How sad that you were taken from this world and your family so suddenly along with Brett. Lydia and I pray for you, Brett, Courtney your mom, dad, sister and brothers. You will live in my heart forever and I will miss you, and I will miss seeing you and Brett around Port Orange. I will no doubt see you again some day, and I am sure in the meantime, many will be watching over Courtney, and if we can help in that regard we will be there for her. Rest in peace my dear dear friend. Mikey...
Rob & Donna Dea
December 31, 2009
Dear Jeanette, Larry and family,
Donna and I were greatly shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Brett's and Renee's tragic passing. We are at a loss as to know what to say but wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers, especially your young niece Courtney.
Jack Gettel, Donnas' late brother-in-law who passed away a year ago at age 50 from cancer, was one of Brett's good fishing buddies for many years.
May you all find strength and comfort from your family and friends during this very difficult time of loss and grief. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Respectfully submitted,
Rob & Donna Dea
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